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Chicken Breast Marinade: The Best Greek Recipe
Youssef Hb

The Best Greek Chicken Breast Marinade

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired Greek chicken marinade. Crafted with fresh lemon, aromatic garlic, and earthy dried oregano, this clean-label recipe ensures your chicken remains juicy and tender whether grilled or baked. It is a foolproof, professional-grade marinade that balances citrus acidity with high-quality olive oil for a healthy, family-friendly meal that shines with authentic flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced finely
  • 2 teaspoons dried Greek oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped finely
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1.5 to 2 lbs chicken breast

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, dried oregano, sweet paprika, fresh thyme, and chopped parsley.
  2. Add the extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  3. Whisk the mixture vigorously until the oil and lemon juice form a smooth emulsion.
  4. Add the chicken to the bowl and coat thoroughly, massaging the marinade into the meat.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow flavors to penetrate.
  6. Cook the chicken on a preheated grill or in a 400°F (200°C) oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Notes

For the best results, use fresh organic lemon and high-quality cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. If you prefer, this marinade also works wonderfully on chicken thighs or drumsticks. For meal prep, you can store the marinated raw chicken in a sealed bag in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.